See eye to eye

Definitions

• agree with someone
  To have the same opinion, viewpoint, or understanding as someone else, often after a disagreement or difference of opinion

• have a clear understanding
  To have a mutual understanding or shared perspective on a particular topic or issue

• have a good relationship
  To have a harmonious and friendly relationship with someone, often implying a strong connection or bond between individuals

Examples of See eye to eye

• John and Sarah see eye to eye when it comes to their opinions on politics.

  This idiom is used to describe two people who have identical or very similar views on a particular topic. The phrase "see eye to eye" means that they have a common perspective or outlook on the matter.

• The two negotiators finally came to an agreement and saw eye to eye on the final terms of the deal.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a business context to describe two parties who have reached a consensus and share a common understanding of the terms of an agreement.

• The siblings have never seen eye to eye on how to manage their family's inheritance.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a longstanding disagreement or conflict between two individuals. In this case, the siblings have fundamentally different opinions on how to handle their inheritance, and this disagreement has persisted over time.

• The two friends used to see eye to eye on everything, but a recent disagreement has caused a rift between them.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a shift in the relationship between two people. In this case, the friends used to share a close bond and a similar perspective on various issues, but a disagreement has caused them to become less aligned in their views.

• The parents and children finally saw eye to eye on the decision to sell the family home.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a resolution to a longstanding disagreement or conflict. In this case, the parents and children had differing opinions on whether to sell the family home, but they were eventually able to come to a mutual understanding and agreement.

Conclusion

The idiom "see eye to eye" refers to a shared understanding or agreement between individuals. It can be used to describe a harmonious relationship or a mutual understanding on a particular topic or issue. It is often used in situations where there may have been a disagreement or difference of opinion, but the parties have come to a resolution or common ground.

Origin of "See eye to eye"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah. In this passage, it is written "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." This passage is often interpreted as a call for peace and unity among nations, and the phrase "beat swords into plowshares" is similar in meaning to "see eye to eye."

Another possible origin of this idiom is from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who wrote "The soul is the form of the body." This phrase is often interpreted as the idea that two individuals must see the same thing in the same way in order to have a common understanding, much like seeing eye to eye.

Overall, the idiom "see eye to eye" has been used for centuries to describe a mutual understanding and agreement between individuals, and its origins can be traced back to various religious and philosophical texts.